Tricon Films and Television and Corus Entertainment’s YTV announced that Canadian television personality Carlos Bustamante (YTV’s The Zone, Big Fun Movies) is taking on the role as host of The Next Star for the show’s sixth season set to air in July 2013. Carlos will be joining the cross-Canada audition tour with returning judges Keshia Chanté, Tara Oram, and Mark Spicoluk, to usher The Next Star’s new hopefuls from their first audition to finale.

“We’re pleased to have Carlos host the latest installment of The Next Star,” said Jocelyn Hamilton, Vice President, Original Programming, Kids, Comedy, Drama. “His gregarious personality and dynamic rapport with young fans, coupled with his in-depth entertainment background make him the perfect fit for the role.”

As a long-time host of YTV’s The Zone, Big Fun Movies and the celebrity interview specials One 2 One, Carlos has interviewed A-list celebrities including One Direction, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. No stranger to the spotlight, Carlos is also a talented dancer and has trained and performed across North America since his professional career began at age eight. Carlos always makes the time to give back to the community and has been found working alongside Kids Help Phone, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Ontario Special Olympics, The Hospital for Sick Children and UNITY charity.

“We are so thrilled to have Carlos joining us for our biggest and most exciting season to come!” Said Marc Kell Whitehead, Tricon’s General Manager of Production. “He’s incredibly talented and well-liked by our fans. We know that the finalists will feel inspired by his energy every time they walk on stage.”

“I am a huge fan and supporter of The Next Star and the talent that comes out each year, from Brooklyn Roebuck to Victoria Duffield,” said Carlos Bustamante, host of The Next Star. “I’m excited to join the search for Canada’s next break-out stars and look forward to becoming a part of The Next Star crew!”

As with previous seasons, The Next Star auditionswill be open to kids aged 15 and under and will focus on finding Canada’s next singing sensation. Open casting calls will be held in the following cities on these dates:

Additional information about open casting call locations will be announced onlineMonday, March 25 and via the show’s new cross-platform digital destination, Next Star Nation.

The Next Star’s sixth season will premiere July 2013 on YTV and will follow the young finalists on their once-in-a-lifetime journey as they master their sound, style and stage presence. R&B star Keshia Chanté, Canada’s country sweetheart Tara Oram, and music biz impresario Mark Spicoluk, will return to preside over the judges’ table, ready to guide the finalists to find their best sound, and give the performances of a lifetime.

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